During long sea voyages, it was usual for sailors to develop a disease called scurvy.
In 1747 a physican to the British Navy performed an experiment in which he chose twelve sailors who showed symptoms of the disease.
These men ate the same food as the others, but were given different remedies. Some were given cider to drink, others sulfuric acid, or vinegar, sea water, nutmeg and others were given two oranges and a lemon daily.
The pair of sailors who ate the oranges and lemon daily were the only ones who showed improvement and were able to report for duty in a few days.
The substance in the fruits that prevented the sailors from contracting scurvy was vitamin C, or ascorbic acid.
Years later, the British Navy began the practice of giving a small amount of lime juice each day to every sailor to prevent scurvy. This is why the British sailors became known as the “limeys.”
The importance of fruit in our diets is well documented. They are an important component of our daily food intake.
Just as vegetables, fruit are high in vitamins and antiozidants but they have a higher sugar content than vegetables.
All fruits are good for us but some are better than others. Your top choices should be those in the berry family, such as blueberries, raspberries, bilberries, and cranberries. Blueberries are one of the best fruits because of their low sugar content and their powerful antioxidant properties.
Fruit without seeds are called hybrids. They have been altered by humans to so-call “improve” upon them. There are seedless oranges and seedless watermelons. I like to buy “natural” rather than any food altered.
Click on my FREE Report to see what you and your children can do with fruits – experimentally as well as eat-ability-wise (a made-up name).
Best to you,
Lee Jackson, CFCS
Author: From the Apple Orchard – Recipes for Apple Lovers,
Apples, Apples Everywhere – Favorite Recipes From America’s Orchards,
The Littlest Christmas Kitten